How U-Pack Moving Works and What to Expect

U-Pack is a container-based moving service where you pack at your own pace, then the company transports your belongings

U-Pack (operated by ATSI, a subsidiary of ABF Freight System) delivers an empty container to your home, you load it over several days or weeks, and then U-Pack picks it up and hauls it to your destination. You unload at your own pace once it arrives. The container stays on your property during the loading phase, so you control the timeline rather than working around a moving truck's schedule.

The service works across all 50 states and into Canada and Mexico. U-Pack charges by the space you use in the container, not by weight, and you pay only for the portion of the container you actually fill. If you use half a container, you pay for half. This pricing model can save money compared to traditional movers who charge by the pound or by the hour.

U-Pack operates year-round and does not have seasonal pricing surcharges the way some moving companies do. The company handles the driving and logistics; you handle the packing and unpacking. This middle ground appeals to people who want professional transportation but need flexibility on the packing end.

Key Takeaways

• U-Pack delivers a container to your home, you pack it over days or weeks at your own pace, and the company transports it to your destination.
• You pay only for the portion of the container you use, not for weight or hourly labor, which can cost less than traditional movers for partial loads.
• The container remains on your property during loading, so you control when packing happens without coordinating around a moving crew's schedule.
• U-Pack operates nationwide and internationally, with no seasonal price increases, and you unload at your destination on your own timeline.
• You are responsible for packing and unpacking; U-Pack handles only transportation and container delivery and pickup.

How to request a U-Pack quote and book a move

Visit upack.com or call 1-800-413-4799 to start. U-Pack will ask for your origin zip code, destination zip code, and the general size of your move (one-bedroom apartment, three-bedroom house, and so on). Based on that information, the company provides an estimate over the phone or online.

Once you accept the quote, U-Pack schedules a delivery date for the container. You choose your loading window—typically a range of several days—and the company delivers the container to your address during that window. After you load, you call U-Pack to schedule a pickup. The company then transports the container to your destination and delivers it on a date you both agree on.

Payment is due before the container is picked up from your origin address. U-Pack accepts credit cards, debit cards, and checks. If your move spans a long distance, you can request a specific delivery window at the destination, though the company cannot may provide an exact day—only a range of dates based on the truck's route.

Container sizes and what fits in each

U-Pack offers three standard container sizes: ReloCube (the smallest), the mid-size container, and the largest option. A ReloCube holds roughly the contents of a one-bedroom apartment or a small studio plus some furniture. The mid-size container fits a two- to three-bedroom home's contents. The largest container accommodates a full four- to five-bedroom house.

The company does not publish exact cubic footage online, so you will need to describe your belongings during the quote process. U-Pack representatives can help you estimate which size fits your situation. If you underestimate and need more space, you can request an additional container, though you will pay for both.

Oversized items like pianos, hot tubs, or large machinery may require special handling or may not fit in standard containers. Contact U-Pack directly to discuss items outside normal household goods.

What U-Pack does and does not include

U-Pack includes container delivery, pickup, and transportation to your destination. The company also provides basic liability coverage for your belongings during transit. You receive a tarp or cover to protect the container's contents from weather during loading and transport.

U-Pack does not include packing materials, labor to pack or unload, or insurance beyond basic liability. You supply your own boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and padding. If you want U-Pack to pack for you, the company can arrange that through a partner service, but that is a separate charge and must be scheduled in advance.

The company also does not include storage at either end. If your destination is not ready when the container arrives, you can pay a daily storage fee to keep the container at a U-Pack facility while you arrange access to your new home.

Costs and what affects the price

U-Pack pricing depends on three factors: the container size you use, the distance traveled, and the current demand for trucks on that route. A local move (under 100 miles) in a ReloCube typically costs less than a cross-country move in a full-size container. Seasonal demand also affects pricing—summer moves are generally more expensive than winter moves, though U-Pack does not publish seasonal surcharges the way some competitors do.

The company charges only for the space you occupy. If you fill a mid-size container halfway, you pay for half a mid-size container, not for a full one. This can make U-Pack cheaper than hiring a traditional moving company for a partial load, since traditional movers often charge by weight or by the truck hour regardless of how full the truck is.

Additional costs may include storage fees (if the container sits at a facility before delivery), fuel surcharges (which vary by fuel prices and distance), and any special handling for oversized items. Ask about these during your quote.

How U-Pack compares to other moving options

U-Pack sits between full-service movers and DIY rental trucks. Full-service movers pack, load, transport, and unload for you—but they charge by weight or hourly labor, which costs more. DIY truck rentals (like U-Haul or Penske) are cheaper per day but require you to drive the truck yourself and return it to a specific location, which adds stress and time.

U-Pack removes the driving burden and the packing timeline pressure, but you still pack and unload yourself. For someone who wants professional transportation without paying for full-service labor, U-Pack fills that gap. For a long-distance move where you need flexibility, U-Pack's per-space pricing often beats weight-based movers. For a short local move, a rental truck might be cheaper.

Other container-based companies like PODS and Gentle Giant also operate similarly to U-Pack. Comparing quotes from all three for your specific route and load size will show which offers the best rate for your situation.

Preparing your belongings and packing tips

Start by sorting what you actually want to move. U-Pack charges by space, so every item you leave behind saves you money. Donate, sell, or discard things you no longer use before packing begins.

Pack heavier items in smaller boxes and lighter items in larger boxes—this makes boxes easier to handle and less likely to break. Label boxes by room and contents so unpacking is organized. Use towels, blankets, and clothing as padding instead of buying bubble wrap; this saves money and uses items you are moving anyway.

Secure furniture with moving blankets or plastic wrap to prevent scratches during transport. Empty and defrost your refrigerator at least 24 hours before pickup. Drain gas from lawn mowers and other equipment, or let U-Pack know these items are present so the driver can plan accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pack the container over several weeks?

Yes. U-Pack leaves the container at your home for as long as you need during the loading phase, typically up to several weeks. You control when packing happens. Once you are done, you call U-Pack to schedule pickup, and the company retrieves the container and transports it to your destination.

What happens if I damage the container while loading?

Minor dents and scratches are normal wear and U-Pack does not charge for them. If you cause significant structural damage that affects the container's ability to transport goods safely, U-Pack may charge a repair fee. Ask about the damage policy when you book.

Can U-Pack move my car or motorcycle?

No. U-Pack transports household goods and furniture only. You will need to arrange separate auto transport if you need your vehicle moved. Some auto transport companies can coordinate timing with your U-Pack move.

What if the container is delayed during transport?

U-Pack provides a delivery window (usually a range of dates), not a may provide exact day. Delays can happen due to weather, traffic, or route changes. The company will notify you of any significant delays. If you need the container by a specific date, discuss that during booking so U-Pack can plan accordingly, though guarantees are not available.

Do I need to be home when U-Pack delivers or picks up the container?

Yes, someone must be present to receive the container at delivery and to authorize pickup. You do not need to be home while you are packing or while the container is in transit to your destination.